Houston is nothing in need of superb. The southern metropolis is without doubt one of the finest locations to go to in the USA, thanks to its plethora of sights and infectious cosmopolitan model. Historic buildings, cultural facilities, artwork museums, and inexperienced area – Houston ticks so many containers. It can also be iconically nicknamed ‘space city’ and is dwelling to the NASA Johnson Space Center. There are tons of enjoyable issues to do in Houston.
Top Things to Do in Houston
Visiting Houston is a assured journey. As the fourth largest metropolis in the USA, it has a number of the most various neighborhoods and funky leisure scenes. When it comes to issues to do in Houston, a world-class itinerary awaits you. We’ve managed to whittle it down to the highest 25 issues to do in Houston – take a look at these show-stopping sights.
1. NASA Johnson Space Center Houston
NASA Johnson Space Center is the Houston icon. NASA Johnson is the place US astronauts undertake their coaching, and it’s the dwelling of Mission Control. Aka, NASA is the bottom of US area exploration. Whether you’re a area fanatic or have simply watched many films, the Space Center is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Houston.
Next to the NASA area heart, Space Center Houston is a nonprofit museum and official customer heart for NASA. Spacer Center Houston is the place you possibly can study extra about how astronauts are educated and all issues area. It is a good itinerary addition with everlasting reveals, interactive reveals, and naturally, a present store.
You will want a timed entry ticket which you should purchase right here earlier than visiting. Or if you’re planning on seeing a variety of completely different museums and sights the Houston CityPASS is unquestionably value it. Check out costs right here.
2. Cockrell Butterfly Center
Cockrell Butterfly Center is without doubt one of the most immersive issues to do in Houston. In an enormous glass constructing in Houston’s Museum District, the Butterfly Center has tons of of butterflies dwelling in a tropical greenhouse-style habitat.
The huge heart is massive sufficient to match numerous full-size bushes and options waterfalls and ponds. Not solely is it a phenomenal indoor backyard area, however additionally it is an exquisite setting to see the myriad of butterflies.
Cockrell Butterfly Center is adjoining the Houston Museum of Natural Science. However, it’s such an iconic attraction in Houston that we had to give it its personal part. Besides, you ebook entrance tickets individually anyway.
The heart is a phenomenal attraction in Houston, and the additional exhibit halls in Brown Hall on the finish make it an academic time out.
3. Houston Museum of Natural Science
Houston Museum of Natural Science is worthy of a whole day out of your itinerary. We love how immersive and interesting it’s – it was assured a spot on our record from the beginning. The museum isn’t simply stuffed with reveals.
It has cinema-style leisure with movies on matters starting from Tutankhamun to astrology. Houston Museum of Natural Science can also be dwelling to Burke Baker Planetarium, which is becoming contemplating Houston’s nickname of area metropolis.
Regarding museums in Houston, the Houston Museum of Natural Science is definitely in the highest three. Check out the schedule earlier than visiting as a result of there’s a lot on. This museum is continually throwing out new reveals, occasions, and sights. It is a good suggestion to get your tickets earlier than you go so that you don’t have to stand in line.
4. Art Car Museum
Art Car Museum is without doubt one of the extra uncommon issues to do in Houston. The non-public museum is a recent artwork enterprise. It shows a spread of classic automobiles decked out in decorations by lesser-known or up-and-coming artists. Art Car Museum is admittedly one-of-a-kind. If you need one thing novel to do in Houston, it’s a enjoyable addition to your keep.
The museum doesn’t simply stick to native artists; you possibly can view ‘car art’ from a broad vary of worldwide artists. Car fans put together to shudder at utilizing such basic automobiles as a canvas. But artwork fans (or anybody with an open thoughts) will respect the creativity of the reveals.
5. Chinatown
Houston’s Chinatown is the last word spot for embracing Indochinese tradition. We recommend doing the basic meals crawl expertise. Chinatown has a Hong Kong Food Market – you possibly can choose up some staples if in case you have booked self-catered lodging.
It additionally has a ton of good eating places. You might deal with your self to some scrumptious dim sum, a heaped plate of prawn chow mein, or aromatic duck meat.
Chinatown is in Houston’s western suburbs, close to a group of golf golf equipment and beneath Bear Creek Pioneers Park. It is only a 20-minute drive from town heart or an hour on public transport. Don’t simply go to for meals, both.
Houston’s Chinatown presents a unbelievable vary of low cost outlets with electronics and jewellery on Harwin Drive. While for a extra academic expertise, you possibly can take an Asian heritage tour from the Chinese Community Center.
6. Galveston Island State Park
It is not any secret that Texas has a number of the most unimaginable seashores. And in Galveston Island State Park, its 2,000 acres include attractive seashores related by a community of climbing trails and wildlife alongside the way in which. Spending a day on the state park is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Houston. Galveston is sort of a seaside day with a twist.
There are loads of actions whenever you aren’t kicking again on a distant seaside. Galveston has good circumstances for kayaking adventures, and its coastlines are lined by scenic boardwalks which can be nice for birdwatching. Visiting this park is definitely one of the crucial enjoyable issues to do in order for you to get out of town.
7. Buffalo Bayou Park
Buffalo Bayou Park is gorgeous. The city park spans 160 acres of manicured grounds and is famed for its view of the Houston skyline. The skyscrapers peeking up from behind the bushes is actually postcard worthy – or a minimum of, a must-snap in your Instagram. Visiting Buffalo Bayou Park is without doubt one of the most scenic issues to do in Houston.
The park will get its identify from the Buffalo Bayou, a gradual physique of water that’s considerably midway behind a waterway and river. The lazy water runs straight via the center of Buffalo Bayou Park, which is legendary for watersports.
8. Houston City Hall
Houston City Hall is a tall, white tower of a constructing. It is town of Houston’s authorities headquarters and the hub of all issues political. Architecturally, Houston City Hall is attention-grabbing to cease by and take a look at. The most putting options are the trademark Texas Cordova limestone and the elegant reflective pool in entrance.
One of probably the most political issues to do in Houston is to tour the inside of Houston City Hall. Amazingly, excursions are free when booked via the official web site. They run on weekdays and whisk guests via the council chambers and workplaces. A tour is probably the most participating manner to expertise Houston City Hall. And by heading inside, you get an in-depth and uncommon perception into the background of the political scene.
9. Museum of Fine Arts
The Museum of Fine Arts is certainly one of Houston’s most completed sights. This colossal museum shows gorgeous advantageous artwork from historic to modern durations. Rather than simply everlasting reveals, the museum all the time has a recent rotation of advantageous arts reveals – together with items in distinctive, futuristic settings like rainbow mild tunnels. The Museum of Fine Arts is without doubt one of the most enjoyable issues to do in Houston.
Located in the Houston Museum District, Art lovers will respect range and creativity. Even those that consider galleries are dusty and could be discovered anyplace will love Houston’s Fine Arts Museum. The museum has a robust persona and much to add to an ongoing inventive dialog. If you might be actually into museums then we propose grabbing the Museum Pass which will get you into all the good museums together with this one.
10. Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
Attending Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is without doubt one of the most fun issues to do in Houston. The occasion runs yearly from late February into early March. It claims to be the world’s largest of its variety, and one factor is for certain – you might be assured a superb present.
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo have the whole lot from basic rodeo occasions like bareback driving and roping to shopping for alternatives in auctions and gross sales. Because of the vary of the occasion, it attracts a blended crowd. So be ready to rub shoulders with all kinds of holiday makers. To embrace the Texan cowboy and cowgirl spirit, mark it in your calendar.
11. Memorial Park
Memorial Park is the most important park in Houston. Houston’s memorial park is a staggering 1,500 acres – almost 2 occasions the dimensions of Central Park in New York. The park was devoted to the troopers of World War I and opened to the general public in 1925. Visitors can take pleasure in a mixture of strolling, working, and biking trails.
Memorial Park can also be stuffed with wildlife. You can spot doves, snakes, and turtles, simply to identify a number of. The park is a beloved nature reserve in Houston.
Memorial Park is without doubt one of the most basic issues to do in Houston. If you need a big park to discover whereas paying your respects to the troopers of World War I, notice this attraction down.
12. Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens
Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens is a group of American ornamental arts and work. Most impressively, it’s located in the previous residence of Ima Hogg – a famend philanthropist and former civic chief. Ima’s home makes the right setting for this assortment of advantageous artwork.
The dwelling resides on 14 acres of pristine gardens. It opens its doorways all 12 months spherical to guests wanting to expertise advantageous artwork in a non-public, home setting.
The historic and personal setting luggage Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens a spot on our suggestions of issues to do in Houston. The museum has a novel setting excellent for artwork fans wanting to expertise a barely completely different gallery model.
13. Health Museum
The Health Museum is without doubt one of the most fascinating (and area of interest) scientific issues to do in Houston. The museum is totally devoted to well being and the human physique. From a Living Icons picture exhibit devoted to tons of of Houston’s COVID-19 victims to a bicycle you pedal to see how onerous the center works, the Health Museum works onerous to immerse its guests. The museum doesn’t simply characteristic reveals; it has a 4D and 3D theater to watch the most recent science and health-related films.
The Health Museum is definitely certainly one of our high suggestions. Whether you might be 5 or 50, the creativity behind the museum’s reveals and structure makes it an interesting place.
14. Graffiti Park
This attraction is one for the skater crowd and artwork fans. Anyone who loves snapping pictures also needs to have an interest as a result of the art work at Graffiti Park is awe-inspiring. Iconic in some circumstances.
Graffiti Park is positioned south of Houston City Center – simple to attain by automobile or public transport. The graffiti covers a number of blocks, so visiting isn’t massively time-consuming. Allow a minimum of an hour, maybe a little bit longer, in order for you to get entangled with the artwork or extra severe pictures. Check out this Instagram Tour that takes you to all one of the best spots.
15. The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts
The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts is a hub for drama and all lovers of the stage. The Hobby Center boasts two theaters and a three-story foyer with views of the Houston skyline.
In brief, it’s a stunning setting for a chic night watching a performing arts present. The gown code is enterprise informal – which may embrace cocktail clothes and normally fits.
If you’re keen on dwell music and performing, take a look at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts schedule. Tickets promote out in advance. But if you’re organized, you’ll haven’t any points; even final minute, you may get fortunate. Past and present exhibits embrace Moulin Rouge, Treasure of the East, and Legally Blonde.
16. San Jacinto Monument
The San Jacinto Monument is a dramatic 567-foot column in the Houston Ship Channel. A 220-ton star sits atop the colossal construction as a commemoration of the Battle of San Jacinto. History buffs will seemingly already know that the Battle of San Jacinto was a turning level in the Texas Revolution.
And the San Jacinto Monument honors those that fought for Texan independence. Plus, it’s the world’s tallest conflict memorial, if all that wasn’t sufficient for you.
You can trip the elevator to the remark tower on the high of the monument. Tickets are extraordinarily affordable as effectively, at beneath $10. The San Jacinto Monument is an interesting place to go to and excellent for these in US historical past.
17. Miller Outdoor Theatre
Ready for one more performing arts attraction? Catching a efficiency at Miller Outdoor Theatre is without doubt one of the most entertaining issues to do in Houston. Unlike the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, its draw is the truth that it’s outside.
Located on 7.5 acres in the nook of Hermann Park, the theater has rows of seats beneath a tent-style cover. But most individuals simply seize a spot on the encircling grass. If you go to in the summer time, examine the schedule and convey some film snacks for a novel take in your customary theater expertise.
18. Discovery Green
Discovery Green is an thrilling attraction in Houston. It most closely fits households and youngsters and incorporates completely different actions and miniature sights. The 12-acre park has a placing inexperienced, artwork installations, and numerous scenic gardens – together with the Allen Family Rose Garden. Entering Discovery Green is free. And on a heat day, you possibly can simply spend all day there rotating between its completely different mini sights.
19. Children’s Museum Houston
The Children’s Museum Houston is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Houston for household enjoyable. The museum incorporates interactive reveals concentrating on youngsters’s improvement phases and key pursuits.
Like many others throughout the US, the Houston Children’s Museum is an ideal indoor time out. Parents can calm down understanding they’re taking their children someplace academic, but children love the expertise. It is without doubt one of the most enjoyable issues to do in Houston for younger guests.
The Children’s Museum Houston reveals embrace the EcoStation, Cyberchase, Challenge Course, and Power Science Lab. The reveals are so participating it is going to be enjoyable for the mother and father to watch their tots play too.
20. Watch a Baseball Game at Minute Maid Park
Watching a recreation of baseball at Minute Maid Park is an absolute should. Baseball fan or not, the Houston Astros are a number one crew in the baseball Major League. And there isn’t any higher manner to expertise a metropolis’s group than to attend a house recreation.
Booking a ticket to watch the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park may want some ahead planning. If you might be eager on watching a recreation at Minute Maid Park, we propose reserving your journey to Houston across the dates you purchase tickets. The very last thing you need is to miss out as a result of the sport has bought out. Baseball is common. What can we are saying?
21. Sam Houston Park
Sam Houston is a phenomenal city park in the middle of Downtown Houston. It is meant to be a kind of oasis amongst skyscrapers and options many fountains and ornate bridges.
If you might be downtown, we propose grabbing a takeout espresso and having a stroll. Sam Houston Park is without doubt one of the finest locations in Houston for skyscraper views. So bonus factors in the event you go to for dawn and sundown when the buildings look much more gorgeous.
22. Market Square Park
Market Square Park is a phenomenal public area that thrives after darkish. From outside films to an open-air Greek restaurant, it’s a place to come collectively and socialize in Houston. With a Downtown and quirky vibe, it’s the good addition to a listing of enjoyable issues to do in Houston. It is difficult not to love the fairy lights aesthetic – particularly on a heat summer time night time.
Don’t overlook meals vehicles as effectively; Niko Niko’s does one of the best gyros. Grab a gyro and sit out on the grass beneath the lights. Market Square Park is an excellent attraction for many who need to calm down in Houston. It can also be excellent for getting off the standard vacationer observe.
23. Waterwall
The Waterwall is without doubt one of the most intriguing issues to do in Houston. Put merely, it’s a cascade of water that falls artificially from a large landmark. It is positioned inside Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park – a small park west of town heart.
The ‘wall’ is a towering curve and an attention-grabbing piece of structure. The actual novelty comes from the splash of the waterfall, although, estimated to drop 11,000 gallons per minute.
The Waterwall is a wonderful cease in your itinerary in the event you love picture alternatives. It can also be lower than a 10-minute drive from Houston Arboretum and Nature Center, so it’s positively well-combined.
24. Hermann Park
Hermann Park is subsequent to Houston City Hall, so notice down this attraction in the event you have been tempted by the City Hall excursions earlier. So why does Hermann Park deserve a separate point out? The 445-acre park encompasses working tracks, a canine park, a Japanese backyard, and a cute little child’s prepare trip.
But most impressively, it was the primary public park in Houston. Historically, it was a momentous addition to town’s relationship with inexperienced areas. And it stays an iconic attraction right now.
Hermann Park is open from 6 am till 11 pm, so you possibly can simply issue in a go to. We advocate planning an early morning go to to keep away from the crowds and warmth. As a fast facet notice, we don’t advocate venturing into Houston Zoo, positioned in Hermann Park. Keep your animal interactions moral by investing in wild conservation somewhat than animals in captivity.
25. Houston Arboretum and Nature Center
Houston Arboretum and Nature Center is without doubt one of the finest outside issues to do in Houston. It is the whole image of tranquility. The nature heart spans 155 acres, which guests take pleasure in on a community of 5 miles of climbing trails. Houston Arboretum additionally runs common occasions and workshops – so it’s value maintaining a tally of the upcoming schedule.
As far as scenic locations go in Houston, the arboretum charges extremely. The combination of picket boardwalks via wetlands and forest tracks is peaceable to discover. And because it opens at 7 am day by day, you possibly can simply squeeze in a stroll earlier than you begin hardcore sightseeing.
How to Get to Houston
Houston is extremely well-connected, and the best manner to get to Houston is to fly. There isn’t only one Houston Airport both. You can fly into George Bush Intercontinental Airport or William P. Hobby Airport. Hoston is related to tons of of locations worldwide, with direct flights to many worldwide locations and home spots. Grab your switch into town right here.
The most cost-effective manner to get to Houston is by Amtrak prepare. Amtrak connects Houston to cities like Los Angeles and New Orleans – so take into account reaching town by rail in order for you to avoid wasting bucks and take the scenic route. Train journey is healthier for the atmosphere as effectively. While in the event you aren’t touring from someplace related to Houston by Amtrak, it’s value touring by bus or a coach service like Greyhound.
If you will have a little bit longer, you would plan a street journey. The deep south is a basic street journey, and you would mix Houston with locations like Nashville by sticking to the East facet. Otherwise, set off from the west and cease by locations like Las Vegas, Denver, Grand Canyon National Park, and Grand Mesa.
Getting Around Houston
Houston is an enormous metropolis however a breeze to get round utilizing public transport. The METRORail hyperlinks Downtown Houston with town heart. If you go to sights in the Museum District, Theater District, Downtown area, or NRG Park – likelihood is you’ll be catching the prepare. As of 2023, you should purchase day passes for $3 a day.
The METRO additionally presents bus service in Houston. This is a mix of connections round residential neighborhoods and a park-and-ride system. If you might be staying on the outskirts of town heart in quieter neighborhoods in the Houston space, the bus service is a unbelievable possibility.
Finally, hiring a automobile is the best choice to get round Houston for guests planning day journeys. Decide whether or not you need to discover outer metropolis sights like Galveston Island State Park and Sam Houston Park. If you do, hiring a automobile is an excellent manner ahead. Otherwise, stick to public transport and taxis in order for you to keep across the metropolis heart.
Best Time to Visit Houston
March to May is the official shoulder season for visiting Houston. As basic steering, it is best to intention for these durations to keep away from the loopy crowds that Houston attracts from July to September. You will discover the most affordable lodging and probably the most peaceable expertise throughout this era.
The temperature continues to be gentle in this era however with out the humidity and the irritation of swatting off mosquitos all through the day. Spring can also be stunning for climbing in the close by inexperienced area – deliver a high-quality digicam to seize all of the wildflowers bursting into colour.
Where to Stay in Houston
It isn’t simply issues to do in Houston that you simply want to resolve on; the place will you keep? These are the highest locations to keep in Houston for every finances stage.
Budget: Wanderstay Houston Hostel
Wanderstay Houston Hostel is an excellent budget-friendly base in Houston’s Museum District. Guests get entry to a shared kitchen and lounge – good for a homely atmosphere and saving cash on consuming out.
Mid-Range: Courtyard by Marriott Houston by the Galleria
Courtyard by Marriott Houston by the Galleria is a unbelievable mid-range possibility simply west of town heart. It has all of the comfy luxuries, together with an indoor swimming pool, sizzling tub, and fitness center.
Luxury: Hyatt Regency
Hyatt Regency Houston is a part of the well-respected Hyatt chain. Situated in the center of Downtown Houston, this resort is most well-known for its rotating eating room – which has gorgeous views of town skyline. It additionally includes a heated outside pool and a FedEx enterprise heart.
Houston FAQS: Essential Information
Now that we’ve lined one of the best issues to do in Houston, let’s take a look at some widespread FAQs. These are the important particulars you want to know for visiting Houston.
Is there something enjoyable to do in Houston, Texas?
There are so many enjoyable issues to do in Houston. Houston has unbelievable dwell music, amusement rides, and iconic sights just like the Space Center Houston.
What to do in Houston for the primary time?
When visiting for the primary time, it is best to discover Downtown Houston, go to the Space Center and museums, and find out about Houston’s Native American tradition.
Is Houston well-known for something?
Houston is legendary for the Space Center Houston. It is also called an city oasis, with loads of inexperienced area and concrete parks.
How many days do you want in Houston?
You want a minimal of three days in Houston. This permits you to go to a number of museums, Space Center, and Galveston Island.
Why Should You go to Houston?
As you possibly can see, there are lots of issues to do in Houston. From the Space Center to the Museum of Natural Science and Galveston Bay, Houston is someplace you’ll kick your self for less than reserving a brief keep. The almost-coastal metropolis is ideally positioned to head to one of the best seashores in Texas or bounce between artwork museums in Downtown Houston.
And in the event you desire forest and nature reserves, Sam Houston National Forest and Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge are a brief drive out of town. Houston is the right steadiness of cosmopolitan enjoyable and exquisite inexperienced area.
Looking for extra Texas journey inspiration? The solely manner to enhance a visit to Houston is to mix it with extra of Texas’ high locations. Check out our guides on the finest issues to do in Austin and South Padre Island. Otherwise, have an exquisite time experiencing all of the thrilling issues to do in Houston. Space City has rather a lot in retailer for you.
Photos courtesy of Houston First Corporation.